APR 05 (HARTFORD, Conn.) –Michael J. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that John Koch, 49, of Coventry, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that Steven Santucci, a former Newtown Police sergeant, and others were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. The investigation also revealed that certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.

In pleading guilty, Koch admitted that he conspired with Santucci and others to distribute anabolic steroids. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and several firearms. Koch was arrested on June 4, 2015. Judge Chatigny scheduled sentencing for July 1, 2016, at which time Koch faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $500,000. Koch is released on a $100,000 bond. On December 9, 2015, Santucci pleaded guilty of steroid distribution and money laundering offenses. He awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.